Top 3 End-of-Term Exam Problems — And How to Solve Them

Preparing for end-of-term exams can feel stressful for both children and parents. Even when students learn the material during the term, many struggle on exam day because of time pressure, stress, or difficulty remembering information.

Here are the top three exam problems primary school students face — and simple strategies to help them succeed.

1. Poor Time Management During Exams

The Problem

Many young students run out of time because they work slowly, get stuck on difficult questions, or don’t know which section to complete first. Even when they understand the concept, poor pacing leads to incomplete answers and lost marks.

— How to Solve It

Use timed worksheets at home to help them move faster.

Encourage them to start with easy questions to build confidence.

Teach the 1-minute rule: if they’re stuck, move on and return later.

Practise short timed drills with a simple timer.

Show them how to check the clock halfway through the paper.

2. Anxiety & Exam Stress

— The Problem

Many children feel nervous about exams. Stress can cause them to rush, freeze, or forget what they studied. Even confident students can underperform when anxiety gets in the way.

— How to Solve It

Use past weekly tests instead of mock exams to build familiarity.

Review one or two past tests each week to ease fear and build confidence.

Practise simple breathing exercises before study time or before starting a paper.

Keep revision short, consistent, and positive.

Encourage effort with phrases like:

“Do your best — you’re improving every day.”

Maintain a routine with proper sleep, meals, and breaks.

3. Forgetting What They Studied

— The Problem

Students often revise but forget material on the day of the exam. This happens when they only review the topic once or cram the night before instead of revising consistently.

— How to Solve It

Use spaced repetition — a little revision every day.

Practise active recall by asking questions, using flashcards, or letting them explain the topic in their own words.

Have a weekly review session using old worksheets and test items.

Connect topics to real-life examples to help the brain remember better.

Review previous mistakes so children understand what to correct.

Final Thoughts

End-of-term exams don’t need to be stressful. With the right strategies, children can improve their timing, stay calm, and remember what they learn more effectively.

At Grade A Tutoring, we support students with:

Weekly revision

Past test practice

Reading and Math support

SEA preparation

1-on-1 and small group tutoring

Confidence-building learning strategies

Help your child feel confident and ready for exams.

Book revision sessions at Grade A Tutoring today. Click the link to get started. https://gradeatutoring.setmore.com/.